Intent

At The Cambridge Primary School we aim to inspire pupils to become curious, reflective and open-minded thinkers about religion and worldviews. We want our children to develop the confidence to ask meaningful questions, explore a range of beliefs and worldviews, and reflect thoughtfully on their own values and those of others.

Our curriculum raises awareness of how religion and worldviews influence individual lives, communities and cultures over time. We encourage pupils to become respectful and thoughtful citizens who can engage positively with diversity and contribute to our pluralistic society.

When children leave The Cambridge Primary School, they will have the following skills:

• Ask and answer meaningful questions about beliefs, values, meaning and purpose
• Explore and describe a range of religious and non-religious worldviews with confidence
• Reflect thoughtfully on their own values and those of others
• Recognise how religion and worldviews influence individuals, communities and cultures
• Engage respectfully in discussions about diverse beliefs and practices
• Make connections between beliefs and how people live their lives
• Use religious and philosophical vocabulary accurately and confidently
• Demonstrate empathy and open-mindedness when encountering different perspectives

Implementation

Religion and Worldviews is embedded within the thematic overarching topic each year group is studying over a half term. Religion and Worldviews is taught to the whole class, once a week throughout the year. Other subjects and experiences are used as opportunities for cross-curricular learning. For instance, children might explore religious art in their Art lessons, study religious festivals in Geography when learning about different cultures, or consider moral and ethical questions in PSHE that connect to religious and non-religious perspectives.

To provide relevance and purpose, topics are planned around a Key Line of Enquiry which is returned to weekly throughout lessons to provide focus and embed key substantive knowledge. We use religious artefacts, visitors from different faith communities, workshops and visits to places of worship to excite and intrigue our children to find out more about different beliefs and practices.

Immersive experiences within lessons or as part of hook days and school visits help children to develop empathy and understanding of diverse worldviews. These experiences may be as simple as asking pupils "What would you do?" or "Why might someone believe this?" questions, or as engaging as handling religious artefacts, tasting festival foods, or participating in meditation and reflection activities.

Our curriculum is designed to be both accessible and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils participate fully and achieve their potential. We provide engaging and inclusive lessons that enable every child to explore religion and worldviews with confidence.

Our curriculum includes:

• Christianity as the principal religion of Great Britain, explored in depth across all year groups
• Other major world religions including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism
• Non-religious worldviews such as Humanism, ensuring children understand that not everyone holds religious beliefs
• Local context, exploring the religious and cultural diversity within our Aldershot community

Impact

At The Cambridge, children find Religion and Worldviews a fascinating and engaging subject. They love learning about different beliefs, practices and celebrations, and display curiosity by asking thoughtful and respectful questions. The children enjoy having in-depth discussions with each other and their teacher, sharing their knowledge and reflecting on what they have learned.

Children demonstrate respect and empathy when discussing different worldviews and can articulate how beliefs influence the way people live. They are confident in exploring challenging questions and can reflect maturely on their own values and experiences.

Children leave our school equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate our diverse society with understanding, respect and open-mindedness. They appreciate that people hold different beliefs and values, and understand the importance of mutual respect and tolerance in building strong communities. Our pupils are prepared to contribute positively to a pluralistic society as thoughtful, informed and respectful citizens.

Fundamental British Values in Religion and Worldviews

Pupils are taught to respect the beliefs, practices and heritage of different religions and worldviews (mutual respect and tolerance). They are encouraged to reflect upon how different beliefs shape people's choices and actions, and how everyone has the freedom to hold and practice their own beliefs in Britain today (individual liberty).

Topics are planned to include a range of religions, worldviews, cultures and perspectives to ensure that all pupils feel represented and included, and appreciate the rich diversity of beliefs in modern Britain (diversity, inclusion and equality). Through exploring religious and moral questions, children develop their understanding of democracy and the rule of law, recognising how shared values help communities to flourish together.

 

 

Religion and Worldviews at The Cambridge Primary School promotes SMSC development in the following ways:
Spiritual: Pupils develop curiosity and reflection as they explore big questions about life, meaning and belief, such as What makes us human? and How do some people talk to God? They consider their own beliefs alongside those of others, developing a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Moral: Children explore moral questions through discussions about right and wrong, justice, responsibility and standing up for what they believe in. They learn to understand different viewpoints, consider ethical issues and make thoughtful, reasoned judgements with respect and empathy.
Social: Religion and Worldviews lessons encourage respectful discussion and collaborative enquiry as pupils share ideas, ask questions and listen to different perspectives. Children develop the confidence to express their own views while appreciating the beliefs and experiences of others.
Cultural: Our curriculum introduces pupils to a wide range of religions, worldviews and beliefs from across the world. By exploring why religions differ across countries and cultures, pupils develop respect for diversity and gain an appreciation of the traditions, values and practices that shape communities both locally and globally.